Grant Anderton, a former teacher at the Gig Harbor campus of Tacoma Community College, says there are specific reasons the seniors he teaches attend his classes.

• They‘ve just bought a computer. Usually it’s cutting edge. “They don’t skim, usually it’s overkill,” Anderton.
• About 20 to 30 percent have been given a computer from someone, usually a relative.
• There’s people in the market for a computer who haven’t yet bought one. They need to know how it will impact their life, first.

   “It’s kind of nice to show what computers can do,” Anderton said.

What they can do is help automatically pay bills, keep track of bank accounts and glean medical advice. And that’s before the fun starts.

The major reason for going online across all age groups is to check and send e-mails. In other words, the modern way of keeping in touch with family. It’s a comfortable way to say hello for grandchildren. It’s not something that seems natural to the “greatest generation.”

That’s where Anderton’s work comes in. Knowledge of computers is taken for granted by virtually everyone, he said.

And the availability of classes reflects that reality. Olympic College and Tacoma Community College offer computer basic classes, taught in high-tech facilities.
All but one of the classes for 60-plus seniors at the Gig Harbor campus of Tacoma College have sign ups in February. They include:

• Beginning Computer for Seniors: fundamentals and terminology, exploring the Windows operating system, how to use the menus, installing software.
• Intermediate Computers for Seniors: Learn to use advanced file management, search for lost files, customize the operating system with screen savers, backgrounds and color schemes, create and remove shortcuts to your desktop and the Start menu. Learn basic word-processing using Microsoft Word.
• Introduction to Internet for Seniors: Build on basic computer skills and learn how to explore “online” resources such as libraries, museums and newspapers.
• Introduction to Word for Seniors: Designed for seniors interested in learning basic word processing skills. Learn to work with graphics and mailing labels.

   Each class has a cost of $69.

But if you need a little more flexibility senior centers across Kitsap are there to help. The Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center offers Computer Basics, with one-on-one instruction, one hour for two Saturdays, free for BISCC Members. Call (206) 842-1616 to make an appointment. The Center offers another class for more advanced users.

Other senior centers also offer computer classes.